Nausea refers to the feeling of an imminent desire to vomit where as vomiting refers to the forceful oral expulsion of gastric contents. They may occur independently of each other but generally are closely related. They are common manifestations of many organic and functional disorders. One should therefore look for and correct any underlying causes. Effective therapy usually depends on correction of the underlying cause.

Treatment

Non-drug treatment:

Removal of the underlined cause, correct dehydration, if any

Drug treatment:

First line

Meclizine hydrochloride, 25-50mg. p.o

S/E: sedation.

C/I: active work such as deriving

Dosage forms: Tablets, 12.5mg, 25mg

Alternative

Metoclopramide, 10mg, p.o. tid or im or iv 1 - 3 times a day. For children: maximum 0.5 mg/kg daily

(For S/E, C/I and Dosage forms, see page 129)

OR

Chlorpromazine, 12.5 - 25 mg IM 12 hrly.

S/E: bone marrow suppression, drowsiness, apathy, alteration in liver function, cutaneous reactions, occasionally tardive dyskinesia.

C/I: bone marrow depression, coma caused by CNS v depressants.

Dosage forms:tablet, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg; drop, 25mg/ml in 10ml bottle, 40mg/ml in 10ml and 30ml bottles; syrup, 25mg/5ml; injection, 25mg/ml in 1ml and 2ml ampoules, 50mg/ml in 2ml ampoule.